Tom and Jennifer Nolte, Lawrenceville
To the editor:
April is Autism Awareness Month. Efforts to raise awareness of what is now an epidemic (1 in 88 children diagnosed; 1 in 49 in New Jersey) began on Monday, April 2, with World Autism Awareness Day. People around the world celebrated with unique activities and awareness-raising events.
As parents of a 4-year-old boy with autism, we are committed to educating our community and increasing awareness. Our hope is that with greater knowledge will come increased understanding and collective support in helping children who battle this medical condition every day.
Our initiative this year was to “Tie it Blue,” hanging blue ribbons throughout our community in acknowledgement of World Autism Day. People stopped as we were hanging them, asking questions and indicating their support. This activity marked the beginning of our efforts to participate in affecting change.
We would like to thank Lea Kahn of the Lawrence Ledger for her response in helping us to recognize this day. As an effective reporter, she was quick and industrious in following up. We would also like to thank the Society Hill Board of Trustees for joining us in this endeavor by supporting us in our efforts to celebrate this day. Finally, we are grateful to the friends, neighbors and teachers in our community who have demonstrated their commitment to be part of the intervention “team” that works to overcome autism.
Tom and Jennifer Nolte
Lawrenceville
